Controls Engineer

Actalent; Tampa (FL); On-site; USD 108,000 - 132,000; Full time

Job summary

Actalent seeks a Controls Engineer / Process Controls & Automation Technical Lead to lead design, engineering, startup, testing, and implementation of control systems for water and wastewater and other process industries in Tampa, FL. This in-office role may transition to hybrid after performance.

You will program PLCs (Rockwell, Siemens, GE, Modicon, Emerson Control Wave), develop HMI/SCADA apps (FactoryTalk, Maple, VTScada, Wonderware, Ignition), and design OT networks and panels.

Qualifications

• BS or AS in engineering/tech; equivalent work exp.
• 10+ years in automation, instrumentation and controls.
• Proficient in PLC programming on Rockwell, Siemens, GE, Modicon, and Emerson Control Wave.
• Experience with HMI/SCADA such as FactoryTalk, Maple, VTScada, Wonderware, Ignition.
• Ability to design hardware and OT networks for PLC/HMI/SCADA.
• Knowledge of ISA, NEC, IEEE, NFPA, OSHA.
• Travel up to 25% annually; US work authorization.
• Strong documentation and teamwork.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, engineering, and implementation of process control and automation systems for water/wastewater and other projects.
• Program, configure, and troubleshoot PLC systems (Rockwell, Siemens, GE, Modicon, Emerson).
• Develop, program, and maintain HMI/SCADA apps (FactoryTalk, Maple, VTScada, Wonderware, Ignition).
• Design hardware and industrial network architectures (OT) for PLC/HMI/SCADA, including panel design.
• Read/revise/create control logic, HMI/SCADA programs, and VFD parameters.
• Maintain accurate drawings, BOMs, spare parts, and equipment specs.
• Ensure compliance with ISA, NEC, IEEE, NFPA, OSHA standards.
• Support startup, commissioning, and testing at client sites.
• Collaborate with clients and internal teams; participate in estimates/proposals.
• Use process instrumentation (flow, pressure, level) in control systems.
• Produce documentation, reports, and status presentations.
• Organize multiple projects to meet deadlines and quality.
• Travel up to ~25% annually within Florida and surroundings.
• Authorize to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI/SCADA development

Industrial networks (OT)

Panel design

Project management

Communication

Travel availability

Education

Relevant bachelor's or associate degree in engineering/technology

Tools

Rockwell Automation

Siemens

GE

Modicon

Emerson Control Wave

FactoryTalk

Maple

VTScada

Wonderware

Ignition

Job description

Job Title: Controls Engineer / Process Controls & Automation Technical Lead

Job Description

This role serves as a Process Controls and Automation Engineering Technical Lead for a Florida-based Water/Wastewater process controls team. You will lead the design, engineering, startup, testing, and implementation of control systems, with a strong focus on water and wastewater facilities and other process industries. The position requires deep expertise in SCADA, PLC programming, industrial networks (OT), panel design, and adherence to industrial standards and safety protocols. This is an in-office role in Tampa, FL, with potential for a hybrid schedule after sufficient time in the position.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, engineering, and implementation of process control and automation systems for water, wastewater, and other process industry projects.
• Program, configure, and troubleshoot PLC systems, including Rockwell, Siemens, GE, Modicon, Emerson Control Wave, and similar platforms.
• Develop, program, and maintain HMI/SCADA applications using tools such as FactoryTalk, Maple, VTScada, Wonderware, Ignition, and related systems.
• Specify and design hardware and industrial network architectures (OT) to support PLC, HMI, and SCADA systems, including panel design and associated components.
• Read, revise, and create new control logic, HMI/SCADA programs, and VFD parameters to optimize system performance and reliability.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date drawings, files, bills of materials, spare parts lists, and equipment specifications with strong attention to detail.
• Apply and ensure compliance with relevant industry standards and regulations, including ISA, NEC, IEEE, NFPA, and OSHA.
• Support startup, commissioning, and testing of control systems at client sites, ensuring systems operate safely and as designed.
• Collaborate closely with clients and internal staff in a team environment, providing technical guidance and clear communication.
• Prepare or contribute to estimates and proposals for industrial controls projects, including scope definition and technical input.
• Utilize process control instrumentation such as flow meters, pressure transmitters, and level transmitters, and integrate them into control systems.
• Produce clear documentation, technical reports, and presentations related to system design, configuration, and project status.
• Organize and manage multiple projects and tasks effectively, meeting deadlines and quality expectations.
• Travel as needed, up to an average of 25% annually, primarily within Florida and surrounding states, to support projects, commissioning, and client meetings.

Essential Skills

• Relevant bachelors or associate degree in an engineering or technology field, or equivalent relevant work experience with a technical degree.
• 10+ years of experience in the automation, instrumentation, and controls industry.
• Strong proficiency in PLC programming, including Rockwell, Siemens, GE, Modicon, and Emerson Control Wave platforms.
• Demonstrated experience programming HMI/SCADA systems such as FactoryTalk, Maple, VTScada, Wonderware, and Ignition.
• Ability to specify and design hardware and industrial network architecture for PLC, HMI, and SCADA systems.
• Working knowledge of industry standards and regulations, including ISA, NEC, IEEE, NFPA, and OSHA.
• Ability to read, revise, and create new control logic, HMI/SCADA programs, and VFD parameters.
• Attention to detail in maintaining accurate drawings, files, bills of materials, spare parts lists, and equipment specifications.
• Experience with process control instrumentation, including flow meters, pressure transmitters, and level transmitters.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with clients and colleagues in a team environment.
• Good organizational, writing, presentation, and overall communication skills.
• Ability to travel up to approximately 25% annually, primarily within Florida and surrounding states.
• Authorization to work lawfully in the United States without current or future sponsorship.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• System certifications in PLC platforms such as Rockwell, Siemens, GE, Modicon, or Emerson Control Wave are desirable.
• System certifications in HMI/SCADA platforms such as FactoryTalk, Maple, VTScada, Wonderware, or Ignition are desirable.
• Experience with estimating and preparing proposals for industrial controls projects is a plus.
• Background in electrical design, control system design, and schematic development.
• Experience with industrial automation technologies including robotics, vision systems, and advanced controls.
• Hands-on troubleshooting skills for electrical and control systems.
• Experience with Rockwell RSLogix and related Rockwell Automation toolsets.
• Interest in developing into future leadership roles through training and skill-building opportunities.

Work Environment

This position is based onsite in Tampa, FL, with the potential to transition to a hybrid schedule after sufficient time in the role and demonstrated performance. You will work in an office environment closely connected to industrial process control integration projects, supporting water and wastewater facilities as well as automotive, food and beverage, and industrial manufacturing operations. The organization has over five decades of experience in industrial process control integration, offering a stable environment and exposure to cutting-edge automation, robotics, and vision systems. The culture emphasizes ongoing training, skill development, and clear paths into future leadership roles. Work may occasionally involve visits to industrial facilities for system startup, testing, and commissioning, where appropriate safety protocols and attire are required.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Tampa, FL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $120000.00 - $120000.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Tampa,FL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 19, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [e-mail] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.